RackNRuin Interview for Beatport

His origins in drum and bass anchor RacknRuin (aka Matt Scott) to sub-fluttering productions, but to say that he’s strictly a drum and bass producer would be a mistake. Bouncing from house to breaks to dubstep, RacknRuin’s range is part of what sets the project apart.

On “Synthetic Heart” EP, RacknRuin’s most recent release, his influences emerge in the form of low, sub-bass basslines that mingle with classic electronic keys or reminiscing drum breaks. Blending the modern with the nostalgic in the most innovative of formations, RacknRuin is on a tear. Keep reading to learn more. 

Can you tell us a little about your background? Where did you grow up, and where are you based now?

I was brought up in North London and also lived in New York for a couple of years. I am now based in North London; London is definitely my home.

How did you get started making music?

I was always into music when I was young, and I bought some cheap decks when I was 14. This got me addicted to vinyl and then onto producing at 16.

How would you describe the music that you make?

I try to make all different types of styles, but I guess it’s bass music with a jungle/electro flavor.

When you perform, what’s your preferred DJ setup?

I play with Serato, preferably with CDJs—the new Pioneer CDJ 2000s are amazing, as are the new Pioneer DJM Mixers.

Did you have any mentors when you were starting out? Who helped you get established?

A couple of friends from school really helped me get into production. My mate Alfy who is part of house duo Solarity showed me the basics of Logic. At the time I was using Fruity Loops, then through learning from him I got the confidence to start on Logic. Also my mates from ATG (a London music/graffiti crew) have helped me along the way, as well as my manager and booking agents.

When did you first feel that you had finally discovered your own
sound?

I think when I stopped concentrating on making just one type of music, which at the time was drum & bass. I was a DnB and jungle DJ and wanted to recreate what I loved playing out. But when I decided to try new sounds and beat patterns, etc., I really began to develop my own sound.

How do you explain your music to your family members?

My dad was a music journalist so he’s pretty good at critiquing music! They know what I do as they heard it booming from my bedroom from the age of 14! They just call it drum and bass or disco music; my brother used to call it “pots and pans” music!

Are you the type of musician who knows what kind of track you want to write before you sit down to make it, or do you create music more from a process of experimentation, trial and error?

It all depends. If I’m working on a certain project (i.e. a vocal track) I will have an idea of what I want the final product to be. If I’m doing something more experimental, or just playing with ideas, it will be more trial and error.

When you sit down to make a track, what’s the first thing you typically do? How long does a track typically take you to make?

Again, it depends now; as I’m very busy with various projects and remix work, I always have a goal. So I will work on the track I have to get done that day! Normally a track will take between three and four days to complete.

Where do you record?

At the moment I have a home studio with a great setup and a lovely view from the top of the house, so I’m really happy.

Do you currently have a favorite piece of gear or software?

Softsynth-wise, I really like Circle, FM8 and Massive. I also love my Dynaudio monitors.

Are you a morning person or night owl?

Morning for production, definitely. Night time is for playing out or sleeping.

Which record do you wish you had made?

Michael Jackson, “Off The Wall.”

If a cybernetic organism sent from the future was headed for your
home hell-bent on your termination, which *one* record would you
take with you before you headed to your heavily armed military
bunker?

Any Bob Marley Record.

When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to?

Everything. I like all types of music. At the moment, mainly reggae.

When you’re not making or playing music, what’s your preferred
pastime?

I love watching films with my girlfriend and playing football.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing with your life?

Probably living and working in Spain, as I speak Spanish and love the country, culture and people.

Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases…

My latest 2 EPs, “Territory” and “Synthetic Heart” are out now. The “Soundclash Remix” EP will be out in mid-Februaury on Black Butter Records. And various remixes and releases are coming throughout this year. I am touring all over the UK at the moment and will be in the states in April and hopefully again later in the summer. I will be playing at most of the UK festivals as well.

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